In a thrilling conclusion to the Carling Currie Cup First Division 2024, the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers clinched the title in a dramatic match against Eastern Province, held at Boland Stadium. The match ended in a 27-27 draw, but Boland’s superior try count secured them the championship victory, highlighting the razor-thin margins that define the sport.
First Half: Boland Dominates Early
The Kavaliers stormed into the game with a powerful start, securing a 15-10 lead at halftime. Neil Rautenbach was pivotal, crossing the try line twice and laying down a marker for the rest of the match. Dayan Van Der Westhuizen and Cornell Engelbrecht also contributed to Boland’s try tally, showcasing their forward pack’s relentless drive and the backline’s sharpness.
Eastern Province, however, refused to be outdone. Lungi Mbiko, playing a blinder in the forward pack, powered through for two tries, keeping his team in the hunt. Jayden Bantom’s precise kicking further added to Eastern Province’s scoreline, ensuring the match was poised for a thrilling finish.
Second Half: A Nail-Biting Finish
The second half was a display of tactical rugby and nerve. Boland’s Taine-Randall Booysen added another try, pushing Boland ahead. Yet, Eastern Province matched their efforts with a try from Wayne Ngubane, keeping the scores tight.
Extra Time and Final Decision
As the regular time ended in a draw, the match proceeded to extra time, a tense period where both teams fought fiercely. Despite Eastern Province’s late surge and strategic substitutions, the Kavaliers held firm. The match concluded with a 27-27 draw, but Boland’s five tries to Eastern Province’s four handed them the championship on a tie-breaker.
Key Players and Moments
- Player of the Match: Neil Rautenbach, whose double try haul was crucial for Boland.
- Yellow Cards: The game wasn’t without its discipline issues. Dayan Van Der Westhuizen from Boland and Lungi Mbiko from Eastern Province both spent time in the sin bin, adding to the match’s drama.
Final Thoughts
This match was rugby at its finest—brutal, strategic, and full of heart-stopping moments. The Sanlam Boland Kavaliers showcased resilience and tactical acumen, earning their championship title not just by the scoreboard but by the spirit and tenacity displayed on the field. As for Eastern Province, while they may have come up just short, their performance was nothing less than heroic, setting up what promises to be an exciting rivalry in future competitions.